No, dogs should not be given fluoride. Fluoride can disrupt hormones and affect brain development. Fluoride can cause brain damage, bone strength and other health problems in dogs. Fluoride will not improve his teeth.
Fluoride Is A Neurotoxin
One of the most prestigious medical journals in the world, The Lancet, published a 2014 study that classified fluoride as a neurotoxin. Fluoride was also included in this study along with other toxic chemicals like mercury and arsenic.
The study showed that children who were exposed to fluoride in water at levels less than 4 mg/liter (the legal limit in US water) had an average 7-point decrease in their IQ ( 2).
Although 7 points might not seem like a lot, it is significant. Researchers are concerned that fluoride may be causing neuro-developmental disabilities. These conditions include ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive disorders that affect millions of children.
This report highlights the “great concern” that children around the world are being exposed unrecognized toxic substances that are silently eroding their intelligence. These dangers were so alarming that the researchers called for all chemicals to be tested for developmental toxicology, both those in current use and new.
The EPA warns that excessive fluoride consumption over a lifetime can increase the risk of fractures in bones. It may also cause bone pain and tenderness.
Fluoride can cause cognitive problems in children and bone weakness for adults. It’s possible that dogs will experience more fluoride-related health problems than humans. This is not only because of neurological issues but also because fluoride can cause cognitive and bone disorders in children. The worst thing is that fluoride can be very difficult to avoid.
How fluoride gets in your dog’s body
Fluoride can enter your dog’s system in two ways.
1. Fluoride in Dog’s Water
To prevent tooth decay, fluoride is added to many urban water supplies.
Federal Fluoride Limits
The US Public Health Services established a recommendation in 2015 for a fluoride concentration of 0.7 mg/liter. This recommendation is not enforceable. According to the PHS, this level of fluoride provides sufficient fluoride for children and adults to prevent tooth decay (and reduces the risk of developing dental fluorosis) (3)
The maximum allowable level of fluoride for US public water systems has been 4.0 mg/L since January 2011. To protect children from dental fluorosis, the US EPA has a secondary non-enforceable level of 2.0 mg/L. This is to prevent them from developing tooth discoloration or pitting due to excessive fluoride exposures in the period between the formation of adult teeth and the formation of permanent teeth. Public water authorities must inform the public if levels exceed this secondary standard.
Fluoride can be found in private well water. It is naturally present in most water. Bottled water may also contain fluoride. The current limit is 0.7 mg per Liter. However, there is no requirement for this information to be disclosed on the label. Contact the manufacturer to learn more.
Fluoride in Canadian Water
Canada’s fluoride drinking water limit is 1.5 mg/L . According to the government, 43% of Canadians were provided with fluoridated drinking water in 2005. Some groundwater sources also contain fluoride. Different techniques can be used by municipalities to reduce fluoride levels. They recommend that homeowners use reverse osmosis systems or distillation systems for private water supplies.
Other Countries
Fluoride has been banned in drinking water in most European countries due to its toxic effects. Non-fluoridated water is available for 97% of Western Europeans as of May 2019.
Some countries, such as China, India, and parts of Africa have high levels of fluoride in their water. These countries are removing fluoride from their water supply.
However, fluoride can still be added to US drinking water. It’s believed that 3 out 4 Americans drink fluoridated water. This means that 3 out 4 dogs may also be drinking fluoride.
Not only is this, but fluoride can also be absorbed through skin . This means that your dog could be exposed to unsafe levels every time he bathes or swims in your swimming pool. There are many other ways that your dog may be getting too much fluoride.